Meet Our Team of Facilitators

To contact the facilitation team ph/text: 021 158 8134 or email: referral@wellwomen.org.nz

Jane Fausett - Lead Facilitator

I lead the facilitation team at Well Women and am a Wellness Coach specialising in recovery from depression and anxiety. I have four children and live locally in Pukekohe. Depression has touched my life and I urge you to speak up and share – you are not alone. With encouragement and support we can recover and enjoy a whole new stage of our life’s journey.

Email: referral@wellwomen.org.nz

Rachel Abernethy

Kia Ora my name is Rachel and I’m a mother of two and a Franklin local. I experienced a difficult time after the birth of my first child 5 years ago and it made me realise that it’s not what we experience but rather how we experience those things that impacts us. I’m incredibly passionate about all mothers being supported and heard. I’m honoured to be part of this wonderful community supporting mothers to thrive.

Email: referral@wellwomen.org.nz

Sarah Ottaway

Hello, Kia Ora , I am a mother of 2. After a very long struggle to create my family my entry to parenthood was tough and not at all what I hoped or dreamed of. I struggled with Antenatal and Postnatal Distress. I had a history of medical complications, PTSD & trauma already and had till then, managed rather well. Suddenly usual coping strategies just didn’t quite fit with my new motherhood experience. I desperately needed to revisit my mental health needs. Well Women was life-altering and the best wrap-around support for me while I worked through my journey. I’m pleased now, full circle, my journey has led me here, passionate to support, acknowledge and stand alongside other women who are in the struggle and are striving for better wellness.

Email: referral@wellwomen.org.nz

Cathy Fletcher - Founding Facilitator

Cathy has been part of the Well Women story since the beginning. She was instrumental in creating the service we have today. After 15 years of dedication to Well Women, helping many women on their journey to wellness, she has moved to Perth with her husband and children. Her legacy, and the service she helped build, will continue to help women facing the challenges of motherhood, to learn tools, strategies and hope for being well.

Our Board And Management Team

Judith Couch

Tēnā koutou katoa, I am currently the Chairperson of Well Women and a Midwife. I live on a lifestyle block in North Waikato and have four children and three grandchildren! As a midwife I know how valuable this group is for women and their whānau needing support. Kia kaha, kia manawanui – stay strong, stay patient.

Email: judithc@wellwomen.org.nz

Sally Warrender

Tēnā koutou katoa, I am the General Manager for Well Women. I oversee day to day operations, funding, marketing and building relationships with other social services. l was drawn to this mahi because I know having a baby or young children can be really tough. Supporting mothers supports the wider whānau, this is critical if we are to grow strong, healthy children. My own whānau is a fabulously blended mix of 6 adult children (5 girls) and 8 grandkids.

Email: sallyw@wellwomen.org.nz

Karen Bowden

I joined the Well Women team in 2018 and have worked in several roles. I am now the Operations Manager and on the Board at Well Women. I support the team, enabling them to focus on women who need us. I lead the childcare and in home support team, providing training and guidance for this vital aspect of our mahi.

I love being able to support and lend a hand to women where I can. I’m proud to be involved with such a unique and empowering group.

Email: support@wellwomen.org.nz

Clair Huggard

I am the Accounts Manager and board member for Well Women. Since 2019. I have provided financial and funding support, budgeting and HR for the team. I live in rural Pukekohe with my young family.

Kate Barby

I have been a board member of Well Women since 2021. I hold a diploma in Social Services. I have had personal experience with post-natal depression and have previously received help from Well Women. I greatly benefited from their support and services, which has in turn made me deeply committed and passionate about the organisation and its services to the community. I strongly believe that every mother on their wellness journey should have access to free support.

I have an extensive background in working with charity organisations in support and senior administration roles.

I am a busy mother of three boys and live in Pukekohe.

Lisa Goodare

I joined the Well Women board in 2023. I am proud to support this mahi, especially supporting mothers when they need it most. I live just out of Pukekohe with my family.

Board Vacancies

We are currently looking for up to 3 new board members. If you have experience working in this field, or believe you could contribute to our mahi, please email info@wellwomen.org.nz telling us your why.

Jane Smith

I came to Well Women anxious and depressed and I couldn’t be more grateful for the incredible support from the facilitators and other women who were also struggling. I never felt judged, it was a safe space for me and the biggest help in recovering and getting my life back. I will be forever indebted to Well Women.

Caitlin

Well Women has been the support I’ve needed to get through the worst of times. Their kind, encouraging words have made me feel like I can get through these hard times, that it will all be okay and help is there if I need it. It’s a place where I can express how I’m feeling in a safe environment to have a cry or laugh if need be. I am extremely grateful for the Well Women ladies.

(Oct 2024)

As someone with no family or support in NZ, it was very lonely until I found my family in Well Women. I’ve made some great friends and having a support network who just gets me and I don’t have to explain myself. This is something I now could not imagine having to do alone. Having help at the end of the phone and having support of a group has done so much for my well being. I find I’m dealing with situations now that I have the support that before I would have felt like I was drowning.